Auckland’s massive 2014/2015 line-up of events, which included two world cups, has pumped more than $85 million into the regional economy.
Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) invested $14 million into major events on behalf of Auckland Council in the period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015. The investment returned $85.6 million to Auckland’s economy, generated more than 426,500 visitor nights, and saw more than 2 million people attend major events in the city.
“The show certainly never stops here in Auckland and last summer was unparalleled,” says Mayor Len Brown.
“As well as ATEED delivering its core programme of major cultural, arts and sports events, Auckland celebrated its 175th anniversary, hosted two world cups, staged the Auckland Arts Festival, and hosted London’s dazzling Light Show at the Auckland Art Gallery.
"Auckland has successfully staked its claim internationally as a world-class major events city." - Mayor Len Brown
“The economic opportunities that major events can unlock are huge,” says Len Brown. “Hosting these events provides work and money for our local industries and businesses, they bring visitors who support our hotels, shops and restaurants, and Aucklanders can enjoy amazing experiences right on our doorstep.”
Plenty of choice for locals and visitors
ATEED Chief Executive Brett O’Riley says ATEED’s major events portfolio complements the annual seasons produced by Auckland’s theatre, dance and music companies, fixtures of the region’s sporting franchises, events in connection with the Auckland Council family - including Auckland Zoo, Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery - events put on or brought to Auckland by private promoters, and the now-annual Auckland Arts Festival, all giving Aucklanders and visitors a wide range of choices.
“The 2014/2015 year was a massive events year for Auckland, the like of which we won’t see again until 2017/2018 when we host the World Masters Games, three matches in the British and Irish Lions Tour in 2017, and the next Volvo Ocean Race Auckland Stopover in early 2018,” says Brett O’Riley.
“Auckland’s major events continue to deliver economic and social benefits for the region. We’re immensely proud of the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines, a successful homegrown event which has brought more than $16 million into our regional economy in its first two years alone, smashing its targets.
“Pasifika and the Auckland Lantern and Diwali festivals draw more than a quarter of a million people between them, all welcome occasions to celebrate Auckland’s diversity.”
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